Interactive product placement system and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/292,423 filed on May 30, 2014 and entitled “INTERACTIVE PRODUCTPLACEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR,” which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/042,477 filed on Sep. 30, 2013 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,782,690), which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/762,184 filed Feb. 7, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,555),which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/605,892filed on Sep. 6, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,533,753), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/363,713 filed onJan. 30, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,486), which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/024,829 filed on Jan. 30,2008; the entirety of each of the aforementioned applications is herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to interactive video broadcasting, and,more particularly, to placement of products in video broadcast forinteractive purchase.

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that video may be broadcast or provided through anumber of media, such as television, the Internet, DVD, and the like. Tofinance such video broadcast, commercial advertisements are often placedin the video. Commercials, however, require that the video bemomentarily interrupted while the commercial is displayed. Not only isthat annoying to viewers, but modern technology has developed digitalvideo recorders (DVR's) that allow video programs to be pre-recorded,and when viewed, to fast-forward through commercials, thereby defeatingthe effectiveness and, hence, value of commercials. When commercials arede-valued, costs are not adequately covered, and as a result, broadcastservice quality suffers. In many cases, costs are made up by chargingviewers for the video service.

Therefore, what is needed is a system and method for advertisingcommercial products in such a way that they are not annoying and do notinterrupt a video production, prompting a user fast-forward throughthem.

SUMMARY

The present invention, accordingly, provides a method for presentingadvertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby thecommercial product is placed in the video production as an element ofthe video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the videoproduction to select the product. Information is displayed about theselected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selectedproduct,

More specifically, the invention comprises a web-based rich mediasoftware application allowing non-technical end-users the ability toeasily create full frame interactive media overlays into the videoproduction which has been encoded with pre-defined cue points thatrequest immersive full motion video interactive overlay elements from anad-server.

The cue points are utilized to trigger pre-defined advertising eventsstored and indexed with metadata in an ad server or other database. Byway of example, an advertising event may include the extraction of asingle video frame or a series of frames of the encoded videoproduction, which in turn becomes the interactive advertisement that istriggered by the pre-set cue point and presented to the User as aseamless advertising/entertainment experience.

Once the cue point triggers an event, the system calls the specificadvertisement into the video player and seamlessly overlays the initialvideo production with the enhanced interactive product ads. The ad isdisplayed for a predetermined life cycle, such as 5-10 seconds. Once thelife cycle of the ad expires, or the ad is clicked or presented to theend user, the advertisement will destroy itself, leaving the viewer withthe impression that there was never a break in the viewing experience.

In conjunction with the integrated overlay advertisements, the processof the invention is supplemented with an information and productintegrated timeline residing under the video production. At thetriggered cue point, watermarked icons/logos appear under the videoproduction. Users can interact with the icons to garner more informationabout a particular character, location, or advertisers at a specificpoint in the feature presentation, employing the same aforementionedcalls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of an interactive product placementsystem embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 exemplifies a flow chart illustrating control logic forimplementing features of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 exemplifies an application of an interactive video editorembodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4 exemplifies an application of an interactive video playerembodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 5 exemplifies a product placement timeline embodying features ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 6 exemplifies an interactive product placement embodying featuresof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, itwill be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present inventionmay be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagramform in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessarydetail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning theInternet, HTTP, XML, PHP, FLV, and the like have been omitted inasmuchas such details are not considered necessary to obtain a completeunderstanding of the present invention, and are considered to be withinthe skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It is noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions describedherein may be performed by a processor such as a microprocessor, acontroller, a microcontroller, an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), an electronic data processor, a computer, or the like,in accordance with code, such as program code, software, integratedcircuits, and/or the like that are coded to perform such functions.Furthermore, it is considered that the design, development, andimplementation details of all such code would be apparent to a personhaving ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the presentdescription of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generallydesignates an interactive product placement system embodying features ofthe present invention. The system 100 includes a video server 104 and anad (i.e., “advertisement”) server 106 coupled together via acommunication information network effective for video streaming, such asthe Internet, 110. An interactive video editor 102 is coupled via theInternet 110 to the video server 104 and ad server 106 for creatingimmersive interactive advertisements in conjunction with videoproductions displayed by the video server. An interactive video player108 is coupled via the Internet 110 to the video server 104 and adserver 106 for displaying video productions from the video server 104and ads from the ad server 106 in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 exemplifies an application of the interactive video editor 102for enabling non-technical ad representatives to create an immersiveinteractive advertising experience for users. The editor 102 defines theproperties, interactive elements, visuals, and motion of the ad elementstored in metadata and XML format and packaged with the ad file. Theeditor 102 is a rich media application comprising tools, a userinterface, and backend connections to the ad server 106. The followinglists, by way of example and not limitation, some preferred features ofthe editor 102:

File: Open

Save: Save an iteration of video project file.

Export: Export in all applicable compiled final production readyformats.

Properties: Set campaign name, lifespan and essential metadata adformats.

Assign Path: Create guideline to animate overlay object end to end over.

Set Key: Assign animation key frame.

Four Corner Pin: Pin vector points to set start and end frames overunderlying video production. Corner Pin effect distorts an image byrepositioning each of its four corners. Use it to stretch, shrink, skew,or twist an image or to simulate perspective or movement that pivotsfrom the edge of a layer

The interactive video editor 102 also enables layers to be added to thevideo production. More specifically, an overlay element allows users tosee an underlying video preview. The first layer on the bottom forms abase layer, and anything layered on to of that at least partiallyobscures the layers underneath it.

Still further, the interactive video editor 102 includes a tool kit,comprising the following:

Pen: freeform drawing tool used to define Shape

Shape: Set of predefined shapes to use as interactive demerit

Paint: Brush tool allowing more freeform element creation

Erase: Remove excess erase tool allows you to remove portions of shapesor lines with precision. You can change the size and shape of the eraseras well as the portions of any shape you want to erase by adjusting theoptions

FIG. 4 exemplifies an application of the interactive video player 108configured with the capabilities to read, display, and interact withcode supplied by the corresponding application of the interactive videoeditor 102. The player 108 is a rich media application comprising tools,a user interface, and backend connections to the ad server 106.

As shown in FIG. 4, the video player 108 advertises a and in an overlayas it moves along a motion path. Also shown are an ad icon/logo for thecard in a Timeline under the video display, and under the ad icon/logo,a calling cue point corresponding to a respective icon/logo above it.Optionally, under the calling cue points are episodes of the videoproduction being watched. While the timeline is shown positioned beneaththe video production, it may be positioned along the top, left, or rightmargins of the video production.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart exemplifying steps in the operation of theinvention. In step 202 operation begins, and in step 204 a request isgenerated by the video player 108 (per input from a user) for a videoproduction and transmitted to the video server 104. In step 206, thevideo server 104 receives the request for a video production and, instep 208, the video server 104 locates the video production andtransmits it to the video player 108. In step 212, the video player 108begins playing the video production until a cue point is triggered, instep 214. Upon triggering the cue point, execution proceeds to step 216wherein the video player generates and transmits to the ad server 106 arequest via HTTP POST requests for an ad, and includes with the requesta cue point name and video ID into which the ad will be placed. Thefollowing exemplifies a request generated at step 216:

FLVPlayback.addEventListener(Video,CuePoint, function( ) {  Var request= new URLRequest(“filename.php?func=advertisment&-movie_id=”+movie_id+“&cue_point=” + this.cuePointName); }

In step 218, the ad server 106 receives the ad request and, in step 220,the ad server 106 locates the requested ad and transmits the ad to thevideo player 108. The ad requests are made form the player applicationvia HTTP POST requests. The response from the ad gayer or other databasewill be a small XML that gives he path of the ad, length, and any otherinformation that's related to the ad. The player reacts to eventssignaled by the cue points request and will execute actions definedinside the event trigger instructing the player with the ad parameters,e.g., kind of ad file requested, the action to take, e.g., pause,lifespan, effect, specifics coordinates of the over-laid ad, and thelike, as well as arty other custom defined configurations.

The following exemplifies simple cue point metadata, which is generatedby the video editor 102 and stored with the advertisement:

CUE POINT DURA- URL TIME NAME ACTION TION PATH 1:54.02 soda_can Fade In10 sec. http://yoururl.com/ad 2:02.06 pizza_box Motion Path 10 sec.http://yoururl.com/ad 9:02.04 sneakers Glow  5 sec.http://yoururl.com/ad

In step 222, the video player receives the ad with an interactive linkwhich a user/viewer may select and click on to obtain furtherinformation about the product being advertised, and optionally purchasesame. The ad is then displayed as either or both an ad with the link asan overlay on the video production in step 224, or in step 226 as acalling cue point for the ad and link in an icon or logo in a timelinebelow the video production. In step 224 the ad is displayed for theduration indicated in the cue point data, as exemplified above. The iconor logo in the timeline of step 226 may remain in the timeline as longis space permits, that is, until space is needed for a icon or logo of asubsequent icon or logo.

In step 228, a determination is made whether the video production iscomplete. If the video production is not complete, execution returns tostep 212; otherwise, execution is terminated as step 230.

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide additional visual examples of interactive overlayand timeline ads, in which the video player 108 seeks cue points set inthe video content triggering an ad event requesting either a timelineadvertisement or an embedded live overlay advertisement. Morespecifically, FIG. 5 exemplifies how timeline information andadvertisement offers directly correspond to cue points inside specificvideo content assets. FIG. 6 exemplifies how cue points triggerpre-defined advertising events stored and indexed with metadata in thead server or other database. An example of the event may include theextraction of a single video frame or a series of frames of a videoproduction, which in turn becomes the interactive advertisement that islaid over the video production to create in seamless interactiveclickable video ad. As shown in FIG. 6, the product being advertised ishighlight via rotoscoping, and additional information may be obtainedabout by clicking on the product.

By the use of the present invention, an improved method is provided foradvertising products by interactively placing them either in a timelineor embedding them in a live overlay on a video production.

It is understood that the present invention may take many forms andembodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in theforegoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of theinvention. For example, the compositing of elements otherwisenon-existing into the finished advertising product or filming greenscreen products and services into the production to later composite isthe video editing application. Means for interconnecting components ofthe system may be achieved other than via the Internet, such as viafiber optic or cable network or satellite. The video stream may besupplied by alternative means incorporating, for example, DVDtechnology.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain orits preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosedare illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range ofvariations, modifications, changes, and substitution are contemplated inthe foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of thepresent invention may be employed without a corresponding use of theother features. Many such variations and modifications may be consideredobvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review ofthe foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for associating a video production withone or more cue points that trigger one or more advertising events, thesystem comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memoryoperatively coupled to at least one of the one or more processors andstoring instructions that when executed cause the at least one of theone or more processors to: create a cue point data structure includingat least one set of cue point metadata, each set of cue point metadataincluding (i) an indicator of an elapsed time at which an advertisingmaterial is to be displayed relative to a time of the video productionbeing played, (ii) a duration for which the advertising material is tobe displayed, and (iii) a pointer to the advertising material; store thecue point data structure separately from the video production; andassociate the cue point data structure with the video production suchthat playing the video production causes, for each set of cue pointmetadata: (a) display of a calling cue point in a video timelineassociated with the video production, a location of the calling cuepoint in the video timeline based on the indicator of the elapsed timefor that set of cue point metadata, and (b) display of the advertisingmaterial indicated by the pointer in the corresponding set of cue pointmetadata for the duration indicated in the corresponding set of cuepoint metadata at the elapsed time indicated in the corresponding set ofcue point metadata.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onememory also stores instructions that when executed cause the at leastone of the one or more processors to: present an editor to a user, theeditor configured to display the video production and one or moreadvertising elements associated with the one or more advertising events,the editor also configured to receive input from the user definingmotion of at least one of the one or more advertising elements and storeinformation defining the motion in the cue point data structure.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein: the one or more advertising elementscomprise one or more overlay objects; and for each of at least one ofthe one or more overlay objects, the editor is configured to receivefrom the user input defining a path to animate the overlay object. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory also storesinstructions that when executed cause the at least one of the one ormore processors to: present an editor to a user, the editor configuredto receive input from the user defining one or more layers to be addedby the editor to a base layer that includes the video production.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the editor is further configured to receiveinput from the user identifying a selection of one or more tools in atoolkit.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the toolkit includes at leastone of: a pen tool configured to allow the user to identify a freeforrnshape in at least one of the layers; a shape tool configured to allowthe user to identify a predefined shape in at least one of the layers; apaint tool configured to allow the user to identify a freeforrn elementin at least one of the layers; an erase tool configured to allow theuser to remove portions of shapes or lines in at least one of thelayers; and a mask tool.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone memory also stores instructions that when executed cause the atleast one of the one or more processors to: present an editor to a user,the editor configured to display the video production and one or moreadvertising elements associated with the one or more advertising events,the editor also configured to define properties, interactive elements,visuals, and motion of one or more advertising elements.
 8. The systemof claim 1, further comprising: a backend connection to an advertisingserver that provides the advertising material.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein each set of cue point metadata further includes an actionassociated with the corresponding advertising material.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein the action comprises one of: fading, glowing, or amotion path.
 11. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprisinginstructions for associating a video production with one or more cuepoints that trigger one or more advertising events, the instructionswhen executed causing at least one processing device to: create a cuepoint data structure including at least one set of cue point metadata,each set of cue point metadata including (i) an indicator of an elapsedtime at which an advertising material is to be displayed relative to atime of the video production being played, (ii) a duration for which theadvertising material is to be displayed, and (iii) a pointer to theadvertising material; store the cue point data structure independent ofa storage location of the video production; and associate the cue pointdata structure with the video production such that playing the videoproduction causes, for each set of cue point metadata: (a) display of acalling cue point, and (b) display of the advertising material indicatedby the pointer in the corresponding set of cue point metadata for theduration indicated in the corresponding set of cue point metadata at theelapsed time indicated in the corresponding set of cue point metadata.12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, furthercomprising instructions that when executed cause the at least oneprocessing device to: present an editor to a user, the editor configuredto display the video production and one or more advertising elementsassociated with the one or more advertising events, the editor alsoconfigured to receive input from the user defining motion of at leastone of the one or more advertising elements and store informationdefining the motion in the cue point data structure.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein: the one ormore advertising elements comprise one or more overlay objects; and foreach of at least one of the one or more overlay objects, the editor isconfigured to receive from the user input defining a path to animate theoverlay object.
 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim11, further comprising instructions that when executed cause the atleast one processing device to: present an editor to a user, the editorconfigured to receive input from the user defining one or more layers tobe added by the editor to a base layer that includes the videoproduction.
 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14,wherein the editor is further configured to receive input from the useridentifying a selection of one or more tools in a toolkit.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, further comprisinginstructions that when executed cause the at least one processing deviceto: present an editor to a user, the editor configured to display thevideo production and one or more advertising elements associated withthe one or more advertising events, the editor also configured to defineproperties, interactive elements, visuals, and motion of one or moreadvertising elements.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 11, wherein each set of cue point metadata further includes anaction associated with the corresponding advertising material.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the actioncomprises one of: fading, glowing, or a motion path.
 19. Aprocessor-implemented method for associating a video production with oneor more cue points that trigger one or more advertising events, themethod comprising: creating a cue point data structure including atleast one set of cue point metadata, each set of cue point metadataincluding (i) an indicator of an elapsed time at which an advertisingmaterial is to be displayed relative to a time of the video productionbeing played, (ii) a duration for which the advertising material is tobe displayed, and (iii) a pointer to the advertising material; storingthe cue point data structure independent of the video production; andassociating the cue point data structure with the video production suchthat display of the video production causes, for each set of cue pointmetadata: (a) display of a calling cue point in a displayed videotimeline, and (b) display of the advertising material indicated by thepointer in the corresponding set of cue point metadata for the durationindicated in the corresponding set of cue point metadata at the elapsedtime indicated in the corresponding set of cue point metadata.
 20. Theprocessor-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising: presentingan editor to a user; displaying the video production and one or moreadvertising elements associated with the one or more advertising events;and receiving input from the user defining motion of at least one of theone or more advertising elements and storing information defining themotion in the cue point data structure.
 21. The processor-implementedmethod of claim 19, further comprising: transmitting the videoproduction and the cue point data structure to a video player that isconfigured to (i) display the video production and (ii) for each set ofcue point metadata, display the advertising material indicated by thepointer in the corresponding set of cue point metadata for the durationindicated in the corresponding set of cue point metadata at the elapsedtime indicated in the corresponding set of cue point metadata.
 22. Theprocessor-implemented method of claim 19, wherein a position of thecalling cue point in the displayed video timeline is based on theindicator of the elapsed time for the corresponding set of cue pointmetadata.
 23. The processor-implemented method of claim 22, wherein thecalling cue point is displayed in the video timeline whenever the videotimeline is displayed.